Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PHIL 315 D100

Formal Methods (3)

Class Number: 6989

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 8, 2025
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of: PHIL 110, 210, 310, 314, MACM 101, BUEC 232, BUS 232, or STAT 270.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A survey of formal methods used in philosophy. Topics will include some of the following: propositional logic, predicate logic, formal syntax, formal semantics, the probability calculus, decision theory, game theory and formal causal modeling. Students with credit for COGS 315 cannot take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

[Note: this course is to be taught concurrently with COGS 315.]

This course expands upon the traditional training in logic by introducing students to three paradigms of formal rationality: deductive logic, probabilistic reasoning, and group dynamics. We will survey the following methods: propositional logic, dynamic epistemic logic, probability theory, decision theory, classical and evolutionary game theory, voting theory, and network epistemology. Alongside these formal methods, we will also think philosophically about the strengths, limitations, and roles of formal theories of rationality and decision making.

Grading

  • Two Midterms (25% each) 50%
  • Final Exam 25%
  • Short Reflective Essay 25%

NOTES:

  • There will be two in-class midterm exams associated with the first two units of the course. Exams are non-cumulative.
  • There will be an in-person final exam. It is non-cumulative (covers the last unit only) and just like the midterms in terms of the scale.
  • A short (~4 pages) essay where you compare and contrast the three rationality approaches covered in the class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Logic and the Formal Methods of Philosophy, Gregory Lauro. A PDF will be provided to students.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.